Ingredients

Rub:

  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Brisket:

  • 1.8kg trimmed flat-cut brisket with about 1/3″ top layer of fat
  • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil, divided
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 350ml bottle stout
  • 3/4 cup bourbon
  • 1/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 6 large sprigs thyme
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 plum tomatoes, cored, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup peach jam or preserves
  • 2 teaspoons bourbon
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Ingredient info: Smoked paprika can be found at most supermarkets or at specialty foods stores.

Ingredient info: Smoked paprika can be found at most supermarkets or at specialty foods stores.

Cooking Method

For Rub:

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.

For Brisket:

Rub brisket all over with spice rub. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour before continuing.

Preheat oven to 165 degrees. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wide pot over high heat. Add brisket, fat side down. Cook undisturbed until well browned, 5-6 minutes. Turn brisket over and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Using tongs, transfer to a plate.

Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon oil.

Add onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is slightly golden, about 5 minutes.

Add broth and all remaining ingredients. Bring liquid to a simmer. Return brisket to pot. Cover and transfer to oven.

Braise until brisket is very tender to the touch but still holds its shape, about 4 1/2 hours.

Using a large spatula, transfer brisket, fat side up, to a large plate. Strain braising liquid into a large bowl. Return liquid to pot, bring to a simmer, and cook until reduced to 2 cups, about 15 minutes.

Score fat side of brisket by cutting a crosshatch pattern of 1/4″-deep slits spaced 1/2″ apart. Return brisket, fat side up, to pot with reduced braising liquid.

DO AHEAD: Brisket can be made 2 days ahead. Return brisket to pot, cover, and chill. Bring to a simmer and rewarm brisket before proceeding.

For Glaze:

Transfer 1/4 cup braising liquid to a blender. Add jam and bourbon and purée until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Preheat boiler. Spread 3-4 tablespoons glaze on top of brisket with the back of a spoon. boil brisket in pot until browned and glazed, watching carefully to prevent burning, 4-5 minutes.